THE National Sports Stadium (NSS) is ready to reopen for local top-flight football matches and upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers, following an extensive, multi-million-dollar structural overhaul, a Cabinet minister has revealed.
Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture minister Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe declared during a bucket seat handover ceremony between the ministry and Sakunda Holdings at the 60 000-seater venue that the days of the Zimbabwe national football team playing home matches away from home are coming to an end.
Sanyatwe was accompanied by Nqobile Magwizi, president of the Zimbabwe Football Association, and Isaiah Mupfurutsa, chairperson of the Premier Soccer League Zimbabwe.
However, NewsDay Sport observed that the tartan track remains untouched.
“The pitch has been totally revamped and reconstructed," Sanyatwe said.
“The contractor fitted a modern drainage system, irrigation system, and electrical fittings. We are confident that the National Sports Stadium will restore national pride and ensure Zimbabwean soccer is played before its home supporters.
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“Matches can now be played as we will be finishing the few remaining minor tasks.”
The stadium had been banned by the Confederation of African Football and Fifa for failing to meet modern international standards, forcing the Warriors to host home games in countries such as Rwanda and South Africa.
A breakthrough in the rehabilitation came through a public-private partnership with Sakunda Holdings, which financed and delivered 44 000 bucket seats.
According to the ministry’s technical breakdown, the stadium’s main water reticulation and electrical systems have been completed. Modern electronic turnstiles have been installed at core entry gates, while a venue operations control room and automated ticketing systems have been set up to satisfy Caf safety regulations.
With the primary playing surface certified and stadium amenities modernised, Zifa officials confirmed they have invited Caf inspectors for a final homologation assessment ahead of the next round of continental assignments.
Addressing the media, Magwizi said reopening the NSS would ease the financial burden Zifa has faced in hosting international matches outside the country.
“It has been painful looking for resources to go outside the country, but with this development, it is evident that the next matches will be played here. The pitch is ready, the bucket seats are in place, and of course, we’re looking forward to the opening match happening before the end of May,” he said.
Magwizi added that playing at the NSS will give the Warriors a major advantage ahead of the Afcon qualifiers beginning in September.
“We are looking forward to using this particular pitch, so it’s a huge relief to everyone at Zifa.”
Mupfurutsa said the reopening of the NSS would also ease pressure on Rufaro Stadium, which has hosted multiple teams since the closure of the NSS.
“We are excited as a football league. We faced a stadium shortage, which caused several teams to share one venue. It was congested, and it affected pitch quality,” he said.
The PSL boss added that the league will ensure local football complies with international standards set by Fifa.
“With the return of this stadium and the improvements made, it brings great relief. We look forward to the official reopening.”
The Africa Day PSL clash between Caps United and FC Platinum is expected to officially reopen the stadium after a lengthy rehabilitation period.